Before your next summer backyard barbecue, have you made sure to clean your backyard grill? If you don’t know where to start, here is our guide to cleaning outdoor charcoal, gas, and pellet grills, as well as tips for properly maintaining and storing them.
What You Need to Clean Your Grill
First, make sure you have everything you need to clean your grill.
- Scouring Sponge
- Wire Grill Brush
- Scraper
- Dish Soap
- Vegetable Oil
- Dish Gloves
- Hose
Step-By-Step Guides for Cleaning Charcoal Grills
- Scrape grates with the grill brush for leftover food and soot.
- Take a clean wet cloth and thoroughly wipe the grates.
- Pour some vegetable oil on a paper towel and thoroughly wipe the grates.
- Allow the grill to completely dry before use.
How to Deep Clean Your Charcoal Grill
- Brush out as much ash as possible from the grates.
- Hose down the grill, including the lid, to remove any remaining ash.
- With gloves, scrub the firebox and grates with the scouring sponge and Dish Soap.
- Clean out the ash catcher of any remaining ash.
- Allow the grill to dry overnight.
Pro tip: Be sure to thoroughly remove any food or dirt debris as you clean. Any remaining debris, especially on the grate, can stick to food next time you grill.
Step-By-Step Guides for Cleaning Gas Grills
- Check the grease pan and collection tray to ensure it isn't too full to begin cleaning.
- While the grill is hot, scrub grates with a grill brush.
- Take a clean rag and dampen it with water and vegetable oil. Scrub the grates.
- Use a scour sponge and warm, soapy water to clean the burner hoods.
How to Deep Clean Your Gas Grill
- Make sure the valve on the propane tank is closed.
- Remove the burner hoods, grease pan, and grates.
- Use a scour sponge to scrub each part with warm, soapy water.
- Scrub the lid and firebox.
- Allow each part to completely dry before reassembling.
Pro tip: For gas grills, accumulated residue can stick to grates and lead to grease fires, so be sure to thoroughly clean these parts before use.
Step-By-Step Guides for Cleaning Pellet Grills
- Remove the grates and grease pan and scrub them using warm, soapy water away from the pellets.
- Scrape the grates with a grill brush.
- Check the chute to make sure there aren't any clogs. Remove any clogs using a nonmetallic tool, such as a wooden paint stirrer.
- Dispose of any grease in the grease bucket.
How to Deep Clean a Pellet Grill
- With the grill completely cool, clean out the fire cup and firebox of ash using a small fireplace shovel.
- Use a damp, soft cloth to wipe away black soot from inside the chimney.
Pro tip: For pellet grills, be sure to clean the grates and grease pan after each use to avoid caked-on food and carbon debris.
How to Maintain Your Grill All Year Long
Follow these tips to keep your grill barbecue-ready no matter the season.
Dump the Ash
After a barbecue, be sure to dump the ash once it cools after each use. This keeps grime and dirt from building up when the grill is not in use.
Protect Your Grill From Weather
When not in use, keep your grill in a dry, covered area. This will protect it from rain, snow, and other adverse conditions that can rust the grill.
Check Parts Regularly
For gas grills, parts such as burner hoods and grates may need to be replaced every few months or years depending on frequency of use.
Use Degreaser Cautiously
If you choose to use a degreaser to clean your grill, check its ingredients and label to make sure it's safe to use for food surfaces. Also thoroughly rinse it (several times if necessary) to make sure none remains next time you use your grill.
Remove the Battery on Gas Grills
If you're storing your gas grill, be sure to remove the battery from the igniter. Leaving it in the grill can allow it to corrode over time.
Don't Extinguish Coals with Water
Avoid using water to extinguish hot coals since water and ash can create lye. This combination corrodes the metal of your grill and can even cause chemical burns.
Use a Natural, Plant-Powered Formula to Clean Your Grill
Powerful and concentrated to do more cleaning with less, Puracy's Natural Dish Soap is safe and naturally derived, while also being able to tackle the toughest dirt and grime. The next time your grill needs a clean, choose our proprietary blend of coconut-based cleansers that cuts through grease and food to provide a deep clean.
